I’m IN! for LaVena Social Action – Get Involved

Translate outrage into organized action!

The family of Pfc. LaVena Johnson is seeking answers in the death of LaVena. Dr. John Johnson, father of LaVena, has led investigations that challenge the Army’s claim of suicide. This comes in the midst of thousands of service members being sexually assaulted, shot, and otherwise violated by their peers. We must act now as well as organize in the event a longer struggle is required.

Help our social action

I’m IN! for LaVena TM is designed to work on coordinated social action such as: Letter-writing campaigns to Congressional Officials; Meetings at local offices of Congressional officials; Social media campaigns; Public rallies; Linking-up with advocacy groups that are calling for stronger laws to protect service members; Risk awareness campaign and action with faith-based and community groups; Information-gathering e.g., cases of service member-on-service member attacks; Lobbyiing Congress for tougher legislation, including making the issue of service member safety an elections issue; and Calling for a re-opening of the investigation into Pfc. LaVena’s Johnson death.

How we will sustain this effort?

I’m In for LaVena TMwill require events, publications, community activism, and other efforts. A sustained movement to achieve justice for Pfc. LaVena Johnson requires us to promote the positives and avoid the negatives found in other initiatives. Namely: 1). Operate with the highest degree of integrity; 2) Cellular structures that hold-up against attacks against specific individuals; 3) Leverage relationships. This includes the Johnson family, other groups, and citizens of all backgrounds who love justice; 4) Respect the mission (over personal agendas); and 5) Own the process. Be the change. Demonstrate commitment to the task at-hand.

How can I get involved?

We are looking for people who care enough to help bring justice in this situation. People who want to bring relief to the family of LaVena.Get started by taking 3 important steps:

I’m IN! Opportunities

Communications & Community Outreach. This sub-group is responsible for connecting people to the I’m In for LaVenaTM effort. This includes personal sharing, information sessions, local meetings, social media campaigns, etc. We hope that everyone involved with this effort will be a part of this sub-group.

Organizational Development. We will look to this sub-group to help us form the right structures that enable us to move forward. Sustainability must rely on organization and NOT one or two key people. This sub-group will establish easily communicated policies and guidelines that ensure our efforts are consistent with the mission and respectful of the family. It likewise ensures our efforts are in-compliance with laws. An important element is the management of a registration database that officially recognizes local efforts that are part of I’m In for LaVenaTM.

Partnership Development & Management. This important sub-group connects I’m In for LaVenaTM to: 1) other groups working on LaVena’s case; 2) the broader issue of sexual assault in the military; and 3) individuals and groups that want to invest in this initiative. Partners can provide valuable contributions to this effort — cash, items, pro-bono/in-kind expertise, etc.

Publications. This sub-group is vital to producing reports, articles, manuals, books, and other multimedia resources for I’m In: Justice for Pfc. LaVena Justice individuals and for the general public.

Research & Analysis. The I’m In for LaVenaTM initiative will require ongoing research that assists the Johnson family, looks at public policy on the issue of sexual assault in the military, conduct surveys, etc. These will be the ongoing responsibility of this sub-group.

Technology. This sub-group will work on information technology solutions that support the I’m In for LaVenaTM effort.

Finance & Accountability. If we are going to help the Johnson family, we will need financial resources. Funds dedicated to hosting events, assisting the family in research/investigations, producing materials, etc. Without funds, we simply will not have the resources to match our desire for justice. Further, being able to generate our own funds will avoid the political trappings that would erode our efforts. This sub-group will design, implement, and manage processes that help the overall effort attract and use resources.